2008 SaskEnergy Willow Awards Gala
Willow chairs, flowers, metal figures with books greet visitors at North Park Wilson's Gala
The talents of the students of North Park Wilson (NPW), a school with a fine arts focus, were evident everywhere. On the way to the resource centre we admired large paintings of students reading.
Painting of reading students in NPW School Hallway
More hallway art celebrating reading
In the resource centre authors, teachers, and volunteers gathered before the Gala.
Beverley Brenna, author of Wild Orchid, nominated for the Snow Willow Award
Willow Board Member, Naomi Kral, with authors David Ward and Arthur Slade
As the NPW Handbell Choir began to play, special guests proceeded to gym past artwork that reflected the students' interaction with the nominated books.
Hallway art featuring Willow Award Nominees
Visual presentation of Shining Willow Nominee: 'What If Your Mom Made Raisin Buns”
Masks in hallway waiting for students
After “O Canada” the NPW Dance Team performed “Think”, an interpretation of books and reading.
After brief greetings from Claire Isaac, President of the Willow Awards, and Linda Lawrence,representative of SaskEnergy, the Gala sponsor, Grade 4/5 presented a performance piece based on the nominated book, “Jared Lester, Fifth Grade Jester.” Wearing jester masks students demonstrated scarf juggling and cup stacking to the high energy beat “The Final Countdown”
Scarf juggling in performance interpretation of Diamond Willow Nominee: “Jared Lester, Fifth Grade Jester”
Cup stacking in performance interpretation of Diamond Willow Nominee: “Jared Lester, Fifth Grade Jester”
Dr, Jim Jutras, Director of Education, spoke of the importance of literacy. Then, NPW Choir entertained.
Dr. Jim Jutras, Director of Education, receives artwork form student artist.
NPW choir members await their performance
Finally, it was time for the Awards. The winners are: David Ward for 'The Hockey Tree”, Marty Chan for “The Mystery of the Graffiti Ghoul” and Arthur Slade for “Megiddo's Shadow”.
2007 Winners L to R: Shining Willow: David Ward, The Hockey Tree; Diamond Willow: Marty Chan, The Mystery of the Graffiti Ghoul; Snow Willow: Arthur Slade: Megiddo's Shadow.
The SaskEnergy Representative presented Brenda Nissan, the teacher-librarian, with a willow tree for the school grounds, and the Willow Awards President, presented a plaque to commemorate the event. Some lucky students won autographed copies of nominated books and then the NPW Handbell Choir concluded the Gala.
After the celebration guests took time to enjoy the book banners and artwork in the gym.
Teacher and students in front of Gala stage
Student art representing “Small Wonders”
Student art representing “The Mystery of the Graffiti Ghoul”
Book banners for nominated books.
Student art representing “Augustine”
At the reception in the multipurpose room, students met and congratulated the winning authors.
David Ward talks with his fans.
Students present David Ward with their graphic interpretation of “The Hockey Tree”.
Marty Chan autographs books for Willow V.P. Ann Atchison and student.
Congratulations to the students and teachers of North Park Wilson School. It was a spectacular gala.
Mannequins read Willow Books.